Council Adopts Resolution Supporting Paris Agreement

On Monday, June 5th the Jackson Town Council unanimously endorsed the adoption of a resolution supporting the Paris Climate Accord and vowed their continued commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to alleviate the impacts of global warming.

With the adoption of the resolution, Jackson joins other U.S. cities in the Climate Mayors network in adopting and supporting the goals of the Paris Agreement. In addition, the Town of Jackson restated its commitment to the 40x20 goal, seeking to increase energy efficiency, reduce waste and reduce waster usage in all town-owned buildings and vehicles 40% by the year 2020.

“The town of Jackson remains committed to the Paris Agreement,” said Mayor Pete Muldoon. “We will meet our targets outlined in the Climate Action Plan, the Paris Agreement and the 40x20 Initiative.”

The resolution also Affirms participation in the Energy Conservation Works Joint Powers Board, working jointly with Teton County and Lower Valley Energy to support programs which promote energy conservation, renewable energy, and emissions reductions in the agencies facilities, businesses, and homes of Teton County.

A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF JACKSON IN SUPPORT OF THE PARIS AGREEMENT

WHEREAS, consensus exists among the world's leading climate scientists that global warming caused by emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities is among the most significant problems facing the world today; and

WHEREAS, documented impacts of global warming include but are not limited to increased occurrences of extreme weather events (e.g. droughts and floods), adverse impacts on ecosystems, demographic patterns and economic value chains; and

WHEREAS, responding to the climate change provides communities an opportunity to access first mover advantage in the range of products, services and know-how that transitioning to a climate-compatible future brings; and

WHEREAS, regardless of one's belief in climate change, 194 countries have committed to policies that will increase reliance on renewable energy sources that Wyoming is well qualified to provide, thereby creating an economic opportunity for the citizens and businesses of Wyoming; and

WHEREAS, the Paris Agreement resulted in a commitment from almost every nation to take action and enact programs to limit global temperature increase to less than 2 degrees Celsius, with an expectation that this goal would be reduced to 1.5 degrees in the future;

WHEREAS, at the 73rd Annual U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting in Chicago in 2005, elected officials from throughout the United States, including Mayor Barron of Jackson, endorsed the Climate Protection Agreement and was subsequently endorsed by the Town of Jackson.

WHEREAS, in August of 2011the Energy Conservation Works Joint Power Board met and duly organized as a Joint Power Board. The Board was charged with development, management and oversight of community wide cost effective energy/resource conservation programs; reducing and maintaining low energy costs; renewable energy generation projects; energy efficiency building retrofits; and policy development/advocacy for building infrastructure codes focusing on energy efficiency.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE TOWN OF JACKSON:

Indicates its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through an implementation of a Climate Action Plan; and

Joins other U.S. cities in the Climate Mayors network in adopting and supporting the goals of the Paris Agreement; and

Commits to exploring the potential benefits and costs of adopting policies and programs that promote the long-term goal of greenhouse gas emissions reduction while maximizing economic and social co-benefits of such action.

Maintains commitments to the ambitious 40x20 goal, seeking to increase energy efficiency, reduce waste, and reduce water usage in all town owned buildings and vehicles by 40% by the year 2020.

Affirms participation in the Energy Conservation Works Joint Powers Board, working jointly with Teton County and Lower Valley Energy to support programs which promote energy conservation, renewable energy, and emissions reductions in the agencies facilities, businesses, and homes of Teton County.